Montana Consolidated Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Consolidated Plan?
The Montana Consolidated Plan is an annual document submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which combines the application and planning process for three housing and community development programs. It is intended to be a resource document for use by communities in determining the housing, economic development and public facility needs for their areas.
A five-year Consolidated Plan was prepared and submitted to HUD in February 2010 for the period 4/1/2010 through 3/31/2015. The next five-year Consolidated Plan for the period 4/1/2015 through 3/31/2020 will be submitted to HUD in February 2015. Annual Action Plans are submitted in interim years.
What programs does the Montana Consolidated Plan serve as an application for?
The Consolidated Plan is an application for the following state appropriations of HUD programs:
The Community Development Block Grant (administered by the Montana Department of Commerce);
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (administered by the Montana Department of Commerce); and;
The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (administered by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services).
What is the difference between a five-year plan and an annual plan?
The five-year plan describes housing and community development needs and market conditions; provides an inventory of housing services and programs; describes broad priorities and actions for state housing and community development; and sets forth a one-year action (or annual) plan.
An Annual Action Plan outlines the expected resources available, types of activities to be funded, the geographic distribution of funds, and actions for the upcoming plan year. Each annual plan year begins April 1, and ends March 31.
Who develops the Montana Consolidated Plan?
The Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC), Housing Division, has been designated as the lead State agency in developing the Montana Consolidated Plan. The Community Development and Business Resources Divisions and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS), Human and Community Services Division also assist in developing the Consolidated Plan.
What areas of the state does the Montana Consolidated Plan cover?
The Montana Consolidated Plan covers the entire state excluding the cities of Billings, Great Falls and Missoula which are separate entitlement areas receiving their own allocations for HUD programs.
Have any other documents been prepared in support of the Consolidated Plan?
Numerous surveys, analysis, and studies are performed to update and support the Consolidated Plan. Some of these documents include:
- The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing & Housing Choice
- Montana Housing Resource Directory
- Economic and Demographic Analysis of Montana, Volumes I, II, & III
- A listing of other documents available can be found on the Housing, Economic & Demographic Reports and Statistics page.
When is the Montana Consolidated Plan submitted to HUD?
The plan is submitted to HUD 45 days before the start of the plan year, approximately February 14 each year.
Do I have a say in what is provided in the Consolidated Plan?
Citizen participation is critical to the planning process. Several opportunities for citizen input are encouraged and provided during the development of the Consolidated Plan. Public input meetings are held at different locations around Montana for the express purpose of receiving comments.
Is a draft of the Consolidated Plan available for public comment before submission to HUD?
A draft comment period lasts a minimum of 30 days and usually begins in early to mid-fall and extends through mid-December. A limited number of copies are available through MDOC, Housing Division; and it is available on the MDOC Consolidated Plan Documents page.
How can I comment on the Consolidated Plan?
Public hearings are held throughout the state at various locations and/or by Webinar in the fall. The hearings provide an opportunity for the public to provide verbal comments concerning the Plan. Written comments are also accepted throughout the public comment period ending in mid-December. All comments on the Draft Plan are taken into account when making final alterations to the Plan before submission to HUD.
Will I be notified about the draft comment period for the Montana Consolidated Plan?
All persons who have attended public meetings or focus groups, or have commented on previous drafts of the Montana Consolidated Plan will be notified by mail of the availability of the draft document and the comment period. In addition, public notices are placed in newspapers around the State and posted on the MDOC's Web site and Consolidated Plan Current Events page before the comment period.
Is it possible to get the Consolidated Plan in alternative formats? Is it possible to provide for the needs of persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons at public meetings?
The Consolidated Plan will be provided in alternative formats upon request. All of the public meetings are held in facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Provisions for non-English speaking persons at public meetings will be available upon request. To request alternative formats, please call 406.841.2770, telephone device for the deaf (TDD) 406.841.2702.
How can I get a copy of the most recent Montana Consolidated Plan?
A Montana Consolidated Plan may be obtained by calling:
406.841.2770 or TDD: 406.841.2702 or by accessing the Consolidated Plan Documents page
I have other questions about the Montana Consolidated Plan. Whom should I contact?
General questions about the Montana Consolidated Plan may be directed to:
Consolidated Plan Coordinator
Montana Department of Commerce
PO Box 200523
Helena, MT 59620-0523
